Printing

I thought getting my book printed would have been the easy part of self-publishing.  Many self-publishers use print on demand services (POD).  I have had samples of both POD and traditional printing sent to me.

The POD service I was considering was Ingram Spark.  The quality of the print job is surprisingly very good and any amount of books I would want ship in 7 days.  Problem 1. They don't print on the spine.  That will not be good for book stores or libraries.  Problem 2. I was told to go with the premium color quality for a children's book and that jacked up the price.

For a traditional printing service I was looking at Self Publishing Inc.  The cost was much lower per book, but I needed to order at least 1,000 copies and it would take at least 4 weeks.  When the sample book came I was very disappointed.  It was over glossed and pixilated.

Today I was looking on a discussion board on the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) website and I came across a suggestion for PrintNinja.  They have the lowest price per book, but the printing and shipping take a very long time.  If I were to send out an order for 500 books soon I would not see the books until April or May.  The difference between Ingram and PrintNija for 500 books is about $1,500.  As long as the sample they are sending me is great, it will be worth the wait!

So, I am sorry to everyone looking to purchase ABC Healthy.  It is going to be a few months until it is available.  Unless there is something wrong with PrintNinja's quality, then I may go with Ingram.  In that case It won't be long.

If I do go with PrintNija at least I will have some down time to work on my next book,
Dolphins Don't Eat Donuts!